Your guide to service protection device upgrades

How protected is your electrical system from unexpected faults and surges?

Do you worry about the safety of your home’s electrical systems during a power surge or fault? What if you could prevent these incidents before they cause damage to your valuable appliances and disrupt your comfort? It’s always smart to act in advance to ensure the integrity and safety of your home’s electrical setup.

At Valour Services, we stress the importance of equipping homes with Service Protection Devices (SPD) and Meter Protection Devices (MPD). These devices are crucial for managing fault currents and preventing potential short circuits or catastrophic damage. By adhering to the latest service and installation rules, our electricians install these systems to enhance the safety and functionality of your electrical setup. Installing a proper meter board and ensuring all installations comply with isolation requirements are steps we take to protect your home.

If you’re planning to upgrade your home’s electrical infrastructure and need expert advice on the best protection devices, Valour Services is ready to assist. Contact us today for a consultation where we can discuss upgrading your main switchboard, consumer mains, and other critical components. Let’s ensure your electrical system is robust, compliant, and prepared to handle any electrical complexities.

Reasons to upgrade your Service Protection Devices (SPD) and Meter Protection Devices (MPD)

Upgrading your Service Protection Devices (SPD) and Meter Protection Devices (MPD) can enhance the safety and performance of your electrical system. Older systems might not comply with the latest service and installation rules, which are designed to protect both your property and the wider electrical network.

Common reasons for installing SPDs and MPDs

Building a granny flat

When constructing a granny flat, it’s likely you’ll need to upgrade both your SPD (Service Protection Device) and MPD (Meter Protective Device). The chosen SPD should effectively isolate the property during fault conditions and restrict the current drawn by the properties. The appropriate current rating for the SPD will depend on factors, such as the size of your service and consumer mains cable, as well as the electrical demand of the dwellings. Additionally, the MPDs will serve as isolation points for each dwelling and offer fault current protection.

Responding to Electrical Defect Notices or electrical issues

If you receive an Electrical Defect Notice indicating a problem with your electrical system, installing a new Service Protection Device or Meter Protection Device can be a critical step. It not only addresses the immediate defect, it also prevents future issues by ensuring your system can handle electrical irregularities safely.

Compliance with regulations

New installations and upgrades often need to meet specific electrical codes and safety standards. Upgrading your Meter Protection Devices ensures your system adheres to these requirements, which can also affect your insurance policies.

By keeping your Protection Devices up-to-date, you ensure your electrical installations perform safely and efficiently, aligning with current standards and reducing the risk of faults.

Why consider installing a Service and Meter Protection Device in your home?

Equipment and service protection

Service and Meter Protection Devices offer essential protection for your electrical systems and appliances. They defend against major fault currents, which helps prolong the lifespan of your devices.

Enhanced safety features

These devices enhance safety by isolating the meter board and protecting against electrical faults, reducing the risk of electrical fires and shocks. They detect abnormalities in the electrical current and act swiftly to mitigate potential dangers.

How do SPDs and MPDs work?

At Valour Services, we specialise in the installation and maintenance of Service Protection Devices (SPD) and Meter Protection Devices (MPD), which are crucial components for safeguarding your electrical systems. Here’s how these devices function and why they are essential for your property.

Service Protection Devices (SPD)

SPDs are installed at your main switchboard and act as a safeguard for your entire electrical system. These devices, typically circuit breakers or High Rupturing Capacity (HRC) fuses, serve to interrupt fault currents that could cause severe damage and provide an isolation point between your consumer mains and the electricity network. Installing an SPD isn’t just about protection; it ensures your electrical setup complies with current service and installation rules.

Meter Protection Devices (MPD)

MPDs focus on protecting the meter panel itself and are installed as part of your meter board. Each meter in your property requires its own MPD to safely interrupt any fault current or short circuit, acting as an essential isolation point during electrical issues. This isolation procedure is critical, particularly when upgrading or repairing meter systems, to prevent disruptions and maintain safety.

Our team of certified electricians at Valour Services is trained to handle the complexities of both SPD and MPD installations, ensuring your installations are compliant with the latest installation rules. Whether you’re looking to upgrade existing devices or install new ones, we provide thorough services to ensure your systems are up to standard.

How much does upgrading your SPD and MPD cost?

The cost upgrading your Service Protection Device (SPD) and Meter Protection Device (MPD) can vary widely depending on several factors.

Factors influencing cost

1. Type of device: The specific models of SPD and MPD you choose can affect the cost. More advanced devices with additional features, such as enhanced energy monitoring or higher fault current ratings, tend to be more expensive.
2. Complexity of installation: The existing setup of your electrical system can impact the cost. For example, older properties might require more extensive work to accommodate modern devices, increasing the labour and material costs.
3. Accessibility: Accessibility of your electrical panel and the complexity of safely integrating new devices can affect the installation cost.
4. Electrician fees: The qualifications of the electrician and their rates will influence the overall cost. A Level 2 certified electrician is typically required for these installations, and their fees can vary based on their experience and your location.

Contact us today to ensure your electrical systems are effectively protected and compliant with all safety regulations.

Requirements for Level 2 ASP electricians in electrical installations

MPD installations can only be performed by level 2 electricians. These electricians are ASP (Accredited Service Providers) with the necessary qualifications to install and repair Meter Protection Devices (MPD), consumer mains, and point of attachments, as well as the mains cables that connect to the street grid. The requirement for a level 2 electrician to handle these tasks is specified in the Service and Installation Rules of NSW.

Valour Services are accredited level 2 electricians based in Sydney, fully equipped and authorised to ensure your installations are completed to the highest standard of safety and compliance.

Transparent Pricing: Solid Service, No Surprises

We believe that transparency is essential in building lasting relationships with our clients. Our upfront pricing ensures that the quoted price covers the full scope of work with no hidden costs. Additionally, we are adaptable to any requests or alterations you may have during the course of your project.

To see how our upfront pricing policy aligns with your specific project, contact us for a free consultation and detailed quote. We aim to provide you with peace of mind and exceptional value.

Why Choose Valour Services?

When it comes to delivering your electrical project, we want you to have the best experience possible. We will:

• Take the time to understand your specific requirements
• Tailor a solution for you
• Deliver quality workmanship
• Provide exceptional value
• Be available for questions, after service and warranty

Choose Valour Services, your trusted partner for exceptional service.